"Real World" Accurizing 22LR On The Cheap

[LiveLife]

Welcome to THR.

I had an AA kit. It was never reliable. I sold it

This "accurizing" modification thread is a follow-up to out-of-the-box "break-in" threads for accuracy trend of 10 shot groups and ammunition comparison as factory triggers and barrels broke in.

10/22 break-in thread (4000 rounds) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lector-3-break-in.859106/page-3#post-12110978

T/CR22 break-in thread (2000 rounds) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...mmo-comparison-break-in.864241/#post-12110986

By "AA kit", if you mean Advantage Arms Glock slide kit, this thread is not about that kit which has been discussed under "Handguns: General Discussion" and "Handguns: Autoloaders" subcategories of THR.

 

[LiveLife]

Work on T/CR22 continues and when I ordered Tactical Solutions V block to use with KSA bull barrel, I ordered a second block for the 10/22.

Tactical Solutions V blocks arrived and decided to install on the 10/22 first.

Tactical Solutions stainless steel V block with larger angled upper portion fills the gap and better supports the bottom of barrel to "push" the barrel up as the V block bolts are tightened ($19 was the lowest price I could find) - https://www.eabco.net/Tactical-Solutions-Stainless-Steel-Ruger-1022-V-Block-_p_14113.html

Stock 10/22 V block compared to Tactical Solutions V block. Notice the angled upper portion that is thicker.

For those experiencing barrel droop/cant issue, particularly with scope mount that pushes down on top of the barrel (Likely making barrel droop/cant worse) that forces maximum scope vertical adjustment, consider the following. Picture below shows factory V block with under barrel gap. With the V block removed, barrel did not budge as scope mount was pushing down on top of the barrel. When the scope mount was removed, barrel slid out easily. Rather too easy as there was definite play that allowed the barrel to move up and down when inserted in the receiver (This is the cause of the barrel droop/cant).

After Tactical Solutions V block was installed, factory scope mount was installed and with it pushing down on top of the barrel, hopefully will result in tighter barrel mounting to receiver for smaller groups (Especially with barrel free floated with plastic shim under the V block that allows a sheet of copy paper to slide around the barrel). Will post an update with a range report.

 

[LiveLife]

With the factory T/CR22 barrel off, receiver was cleaned with Hoppes #9 and Power Custom match bolt was oiled for installation. (Some on RFC reported elimination of flyers after bolt work/match bolt install)

T/CR22 V block install for KSA bull barrel required barrel shims. When I initially installed the KSA bull barrel, I noticed bottom of barrel notch V block mounts to was almost flush instead of sticking above the receiver surface. So when I ordered the Tactical Solutions V blocks, I added the barrel shims - https://www.eabco.net/EABCO-Barrel-...-TCR22-to-fit-Ruger-1022-Barrels_p_16155.html

Two 0.02" thick shims came in the package and I ended up using both to match the factory barrel notch sticking above the receiver. And here's T/CR22 with shimmed KSA bull barrel and Tactical Solutions V block.

After Power Custom match bolt was installed, Pike Arms red buffer was installed to soften the pounding on the bolt pin (Both 10/22 and T/CR22 rear of bolt showed evidence of contact with bolt pins).

T/CR22 factory pinned bolt was cleaned with Hoppes #9 and oiled prior to installing in 10/22 with Pike Arms red buffer.

Weather forecast is for rain tomorrow but followed by 5 days of sunshine so planning on making a range trip to see what size groups these changes produce.

Here's the recap for 10/22 accurizing "on the cheap":

• 10/22 with factory 18.5" barrel (round count 4600)
• Factory modular adjustable stock (Length of pull 14")
• Bore mopped with Hoppes #9 and dry patched (Brushed twice)
• Lubricated with WD-40 Specialist Long-Term and full synthetic motor oil
• Barrel free floated with plastic shim under V block
• Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 2 strips of electrical tape
• Volquartsen Target Hammer trigger kit ($40) - 2.25 lbs after initial break in
• Mizugiwa one piece scope mount ($12)
• Tactical Solutions V block ($19)
• Pike Arms red buffer ($10)
• T/CR22 factory pinned bolt (Transfer from T/CR22)

And here's the recap for T/CR22 accurizing "on the cheap":

• T/CR22 with factory 17" barrel (round count 2850)
• KSA 16.5" bull barrel ($119) free floated with removal of insert on factory stock forearm (round count 350)
• Factory stock (Length of pull 13.75")
• Bore mopped with Hoppes #9 and dry patched (KSA bull barrel brushed once)
• Lubricated with WD-40 Specialist Long-Term and full synthetic motor oil
• Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape
• Volquartsen Target Hammer trigger kit ($40) - 2 lbs (trigger reset fixed with plastic shim in the hole)
• Mizugiwa one piece scope mount ($12)
• Tactical Solutions V block ($19)
• Barrel shims ($6)
• Pike Arms red buffer ($10)
• Power Custom match bolt with pinned titanium firing pin and extractor ($124)

 

[jmorris]

With the irregular surface due to the machining marks in the block.



And the fact that it’s crooked.


I am curious how much different it shoots than the factory one that appears to fit much better.

 

[LiveLife]

I am curious how much different it shoots than the factory one

Stay tuned ... rain tomorrow ... sunny Friday.

 

[LiveLife]

That's a lot of shooting

Keep in mind that 10/22 factory barrel has 4600 rounds of "real world" rifling wear with only two bore brushings (Second bore brushing done 2 days ago for below rifling pictures). While average 10 shot group size decreased during the 4000 round "break in" and 600 rounds during initial "accurizing" mods, chances are reduction in group size came from factory trigger break in from 7.5 lbs down to 4.5 lbs (Now 2.25 lbs with Volquartsen kit) and various DIY accurizing and parts replacement and not likely from rifling wear.

So for this 10/22 "real world" accurizing, I am not just improving accuracy rather overshadowing rifling wear also. And continuing to minimize bore brushing without aggressive cleaning following Schuemann Barrels recommendations - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/you-never-clean-a-22-rifle.894731/page-2#post-12052173

After 4600 rounds of mostly copper plated/washed ammunition, 10/22 barrel shows clean chamber with sharp and smooth rifling surface without signs of leading down the bore after second bore brushing. (18.5", 6 land/groove rifling, 1:16 right hand twist)

And KSA bull barrel after 350 rounds of mostly copper plated/washed ammunition and initial bore brushing (16.5", 12 land/groove rifling, 1:16 right hand twist, groove depth 0.004")

 

[LiveLife]

I am curious how much different it shoots than the factory one

Stay tuned ... rain tomorrow ... sunny Friday.

Rained yesterday morning but forecast was for sunny afternoon so I packed up for range trip after lunch.

It was still a little wet/misty and the usual 50 yard spot was being used by another shooter so shot at my alternate spot but target cardboard had to be mounted at an angle (I use 2 rebars driven into the ground/hillside) so apologies for wrinkly targets with torn elongated bullet holes.


Range Report #7: Aguila 40 gr CPRN (Aguila Prime) was used for 50 yard test with ambient temperature of 54F.

• 10/22 with factory barrel (Round count 4600, brushed twice with copper bore brush and 3 passes each) - Volquartsen trigger 2.25 lbs (Trigger round count 600) - Barrel free floated with plastic shim under V block - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Mizugiwa one-piece scope mount - Tactical Solutions V block - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - T/CR22 factory pinned bolt

• T/CR22 with KSA 16.5" bull barrel (Round count 350, Rifle round count 2850, brushed once with copper bore brush and 3 passes) - Volquartsen trigger 2.0 lbs (Trigger round count 870, Trigger reset fixed with shimming of hole) - Barrel free floated with factory Magpul stock - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Mizugiwa one-piece scope mount - Tactical Solutions V block - Two 0.02" barrel shims - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - Power Custom pinned match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor)

10/22 Top row - Looks like Tactical Solutions V block better supporting the bottom of barrel with factory picatinny rail pushing on top of barrel improved anchoring of free-floated barrel to receiver. Vertical adjustment of scope was no longer maxed out (Bushnell Dusk & Dawn 6-18x50mm AO). First 5 shot group was slightly larger than 1/2" but excitement from seeing a promising first group produced a larger second group (I did help wife repair wire fencing on our acreage in the morning and cut up my hands from old frayed nylon rope and hands were stiff/sore ... I know, excuses). After some deep breathing, I better focused on trigger squeeze while tucking the rear of stock inserted into Lead Sled Solo firmer into shoulder and produced 1/2" group with shooter induced flyer to right. (Yay! ) After some more deep breathing, produced even smaller group but with a shooter induced flyer to left (stiffness/soreness of shooting hand was taking it's toll but happy with the tight group from factory 10/22 barrel! ).

Bottom row - Vertical adjustment made to scope to bring up POI but did not change horizontal adjustment (POI set intentionally left of circle to not shoot out POA). First group formed with holes touching each other. Second group made me go WTH? but took some time to relax hand (It was starting to cramp from overworking on the fence work). After some more deep breaths, produced 1/2" group with a shooter induced flyer to left. (And this with factory 10/22 barrel! ). And last group produced same holes touching with shooter induced flyer to left. (Nice! )

T/CR22 Top row - Tactical Solutions V block did a better job on shimmed KSA bull barrel supporting the bottom of barrel as maxed out vertical adjustment of Burris 6.5-20x50mm was returned back towards center of adjustment. First 1/2" group with a shooter induced flyer to right. Increasing group size was definitely shooter induced as hands got increasingly more stiff/sore.

Bottom row - After seeing shooter induced flyers on first two groups, took another break to relax hands and produced tighter last two groups with final group producing 4 shot single hole with flyer to left (Woohoo! ). With right hand cramping and really getting stiff/sore, decided to stop shooting for groups.

Notes/Comments:

• Barrel droop/cant issue, especially for heavier KSA bull barrel, was definitely addressed by Tactical Solutions V blocks with vertical scope adjustment returning back towards center.
• Using pinned machined bolt from T/CR22 on 10/22 (And likely better anchoring of barrel to receiver with TS V block) significantly reduced flyers and produced smallest group cores around 1/2" with factory 10/22 barrel.
• Likely together with barrel shims that allowed tighter torquing of barrel and pinned/machined bolt with tighter headspacing and mating with barrel, produced smallest sub 1/2" group core with T/CR22 and KSA bull barrel.
• Use of bolt buffer softened the jarring of recoil on bolt pins.

Will repeat range test (With well rested hands that are not stiff/sore) and factory 10/22 bolt will be put back for comparison to see if flyers increase over pinned T/CR22 factory bolt on 10/22.

Will plan/test other bedding and barrel tuning to see if average group size decreases.


Several threads on RFC mentioned elimination of flyers with pinning of firing pin/factory bolt worked on by CPC or replacement with CNC machined match bolts.

Here's the work that's done to factory bolt by CPC - https://www.ct-precision.com/1022rework.html

• Bolt is disassembled and ultrasonically cleaned.
• Headspace is surface ground and squared to a .0425 rim depth, the same as a bolt action rifle to tweak in a little accuracy.
• A hole is "E.D.M.'ed", a hardened ground solid dowel pin is pressed in over the top of the front of the firing pin ... This new dowel pin keeps the front of firing pin from raising up and causing flyers and gives more consistent firing pin strikes.
• Firing pin is reworked and surface ground flat.
• Rear / bottom of bolt body is full radiused for smoother/better bolt function with standard and high velocity ammo's.
• Bolt rework is $43 plus $7 flat rate Priority Mail ... Add $10 for CPC EDM tool steel extractor ... turnaround is approximately 2 1/2 weeks or less after it arrives.

I chose to go with Power Custom bolt so I could do side-by-side comparison with factory 10/22 and T/CR22 bolts along with titanium firing pin/extractor and last round hold open option - https://powercustom.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=462

• GM Modified Match Bolt $124.95
• New Fully CNC Machined Modified Bolt
• Breach face machined to correct head space (.044').
• Rear face machined to correct firing pin protrusion (.040').
• Power Custom Titanium Extractor Claw installed and tuned.
• Rear of bolt radiused for easier cocking.
• Beveled Power Custom Titanium firing pin.
• Firing pin is pinned so, it keeps it from coming up in the action.
• Drops right in.
• Designed to work with the CST Last shot hold open. You will not need a modified magazine for last shot hold open will work with our bolt.

Also planning to order McFadden Machine Lightnin' Grip Loader with adapters for Butler Creek 10/22 magazines, AR15-22 magazines for CMMG 22LR conversion bolts and Advantage Arms magazines for Gen3 Glock 22 - https://www.mcfaddenmachine.com/product/lightin-grip/

 

[jmorris]

Will repeat range test (With well rested hands that are not stiff/sore) and factory 10/22 bolt will be put back for comparison to see if flyers increase over pinned T/CR22 factory bolt on 10/22.

Will plan/test other bedding and barrel tuning to see if average group size decreases.

A breakdown of dollars spent vs amount of improvement would be neat. A top down list of “bang for your buck”.

Keep up the good work.

 

[LiveLife]

Keep up the good work.

Thank you.

A breakdown of dollars spent vs amount of improvement would be neat. A top down list of “bang for your buck”.

10/22:

• $0 - Plastic shim to free float barrel under V block thick enough to slide copy paper around the barrel (Slight accuracy improvement)
• $1 - Electrical tape on rear of receiver about 4" (Slight accuracy improvement)
• $12 - One piece Mizugiwa scope mount (Eliminated loose ring/mount related POI deviation, high profile improved eye to scope alignment)
• $19 - Tactical Solutions V block (Raised POI, unknown accuracy improvement)
• $40 - Volquartsen trigger kit (Significant accuracy improvement especially shooter induced flyers)
• $50 - Pinned firing pin / bolt headspaced (T/CR22 factory pinned bolt used - Claimed reduction of flyers)
• $10 - Pike Arms red bolt buffer (Reduced recoil jarring on bolt pin)
• $109 - Bushnell Dusk & Dawn 6-18x50mm AO

T/CR22:

• $1 - Electrical tape on rear of receiver about 4" (Slight accuracy improvement)
  
• $12 - One piece Mizugiwa scope mount (Eliminated loose ring/mount related POI deviation, high profile improved eye to scope alignment)
• $119 - KSA 16.5" bull barrel (Significant accuracy improvement)
• $19 - Tactical Solutions V block (Raised POI, unknown accuracy improvement)
• $6 - Barrel shims (Allowed proper torquing of bull barrel to receiver)
• $40 - Volquartsen trigger kit (Significant accuracy improvement especially shooter induced flyers)
• $124 - Power Custom match bolt (Claimed reduction of flyers)
• $10 - Pike Arms red bolt buffer (Reduced recoil jarring on bolt pin)
• $169 - Burris FF E1 6.5-20x50mm

Based on now going on 35,000 rounds of 20+ brand/weight retail "bulk" non-match ammunition in several 10/22s, Take down and T/CR22, these would be my "best bang for the buck" from most improvement to least:

• Ammunition - For both 10/22 and T/CR22, whether cold or hot barrel from shooting multiple magazines, CCI SV/Blazer 40 gr Lead RN and Aguila 40 gr Lead/CPRN consistently produced smaller groups with least number of "flyers" (More on shooter induced flyers below). Since you have to buy ammunition anyways, using these could be almost no cost "best bang for the buck" improvement. Notice that these are all "boxed" instead of being "loose bulk packed" and I attribute their accuracy from being better protected.

• One piece scope mount - I actually want to put this here first before anything as I have experienced telltale signs of scope mount/ring bolts and nuts coming loose expressed by vertical/diagonal bullet hole dispersion or odd scatter pattern. After testing different low/medium profile scope rings and mounts, I found low cost $12 Mizugiwa high profile one piece scope mount to provide proper eye alignment for Ruger modular stock (With higher cheek rise than standard walnut stock) and T/CR22 factory Magpul stock. Once hex bolts and round mount nuts were tightened, they have not come loose - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A5JV5EU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Tactical Solutions V block - I was surprised by play I saw between factory/KSA bull barrels and both receivers that resulted in barrel droop/cant maxing out vertical adjustment of scopes. Angled thicker upper portion of Tactical Solutions V block offers $19 solution by pushing up on the bottom of barrel and better anchoring barrel to receiver - https://www.eabco.net/Tactical-Solutions-Stainless-Steel-Ruger-1022-V-Block-_p_14113.html

• Volquartsen trigger kit - Even though factory 10/22 trigger pull went from gritty 7.5 lbs to cleaner/smoother 4.7-4.8 lbs after 3000 rounds and then down to 4.5 lbs after 3500 rounds, it still added significant input to trigger resulting in left/right POI deviation. At $40, Volquartsen Target Hammer trigger kit may be the "best bang for the buck" upgrade by reducing trigger pull down to 2.25 lbs (2.75 lbs after initial installation) for 10/22 and 2 lbs for T/CR22 (Down from factory 6 lbs) to minimize shooter induced flyers - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1004752381/

• Free floating the barrel with V-block shim - This may or may not improve accuracy as some on RFC reported mixed results. For my 10/22, free floating the barrel with simple plastic shim under the V block thick enough to slide copy paper around the barrel reduced group size verified by several range tests.

• Securing rear of receiver / Tension screw - Since 10/22 is only held by one tension screw (Especially if free floating the barrel), better securing the receiver from moving side to side and rocking on V block shim will reduce group size. I accomplished this by adding a strip of electrical tape to the rear of receiver (Depending on stock, may require 2 strips) and carefully installing the receiver back in the stock for a firm/tight fit then adjusting the tension screw that minimized group size (I haven't yet bedded the receiver using aluminum foil tape or inner tube piece forward of V block and I may do them for comparison) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lector-3-break-in.859106/page-2#post-11351163

• Barrel replacement with bull barrel - If all above mods/parts replacement still do not produce small groups or if barrel is worn, replacement bull barrel is the next logical step. I chose KSA 16.5" bull barrel due to low cost and larger "Precision Target Chamber" than Bentz chamber for more reliable feeding as I only shoot cheap bulk ammunition - https://1022racerifle.com/ruger/10-22/10-22-22-lr-barrels/ruger-10-22-bull-920-barrels/

• Pinned firing pin and bolt work/replacement - Many on RFC posted that pinning the firing pin and working the bolt for proper headspacing eliminated flyers. CPC provides this service on factory 10/22 bolt for $50 - https://www.ct-precision.com/1022rework.html I chose to replace the bolt with Power Custom match bolt for $124 - https://www.eabco.net/Hybrid-Match-Ruger-1022-Bolt--Accuracy-Tuned_p_14228.html

• Cleaning and not cleaning - While the action/trigger were cleaned every 1000 rounds and chamber/mag well as needed to reliably feed rounds, bore was intentionally left not cleaned and just swabbed with Hoppes #9 then dry patched. I now keep a close eye on the muzzle crown and clean as necessary, even while I am shooting (I clear the barrel first). As to bore, from the "dirty vs clean" myth busting thread, I got smaller groups with dirty barrel and it took shooting the cleaned barrel to "foul" again before regaining accuracy.

• Burnishing the bore/rifling - I think it helps to fire several hundred rounds of copper plated/washed bullets to smooth the inside barrel surfaces before firing lead bullets.

 

[LiveLife]

Range Report #8: 50 yard test with ambient temperature of 46F. Repeat accuracy testing post Tactical Solutions V block install - 10/22 factory vs pinned T/CR22 bolt group comparison - T/CR22 post KSA bull barrel ammunition comparison

• 10/22 with factory barrel (Round count 5000, brushed twice with copper bore brush and 3 passes each) - Volquartsen trigger 2.25 lbs (Trigger round count 1000) - Barrel free floated with plastic shim under V block - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Mizugiwa one-piece scope mount - Tactical Solutions V block - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - T/CR22 factory pinned bolt

• T/CR22 with KSA 16.5" bull barrel (Round count 500, Rifle round count 3000, brushed once with copper bore brush and 3 passes) - Volquartsen trigger 2.0 lbs (Trigger round count 1000, Trigger reset fixed with shimming of hole) - Barrel free floated with factory Magpul stock - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Mizugiwa one-piece scope mount - Tactical Solutions V block - Two 0.02" barrel shims - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - Power Custom pinned match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor)

T/CR22 Top row - POI remained at POA from Range Report #7 with gradual reduction of first three groups down to 1/2" with deliberate deep breathing and trigger control focus. Were fourth group POI deviation left/right and high shot at 12 O'clock shooter induced or inherent spread of ammunition? (More on multiple POI deviation left of POA after Range Report #9/100 yard groups post).

Bottom row - Wanted to do ammunition comparison and with CCI SV, as anticipated tight sub 1/2" 4 shot cluster formed with one shooter induced shot to the left (Nice! But notice bullet drop from slower velocity and group deviation to left of POA). Out of curiosity (As Auto Match has shown scatter pattern in recent groups), decided to shoot 10 shot group and sub 1" core group formed with shooter induced left/right shots (I will talk more about shooter induced POI deviation after Range Report #9/100 yard groups post). Federal Game Shok produced slightly larger than 1" group but keep in mind that this is comparable to smallest group I obtained with factory "dirty barrel" (Notice POI deviation to the right). Next was Federal 525 round bulk blue box and while 2 shots slightly above POA (likely from higher velocity from lighter 36 gr bullet) were close to POA, 3/4" low shot (likely from bullet drop from slower velocity) and 1.5" low shot with POI deviation to the left (Should I say shooter induced? ) were followed by 5th shot I do not know where it went. (Maybe shot above POA is 2 shot hole? )

10/22 Top/Bottom rows - Both rows were shot with Aguila 40 gr CPRN to show difference in group size between firing pin pinned factory T/CR22 bolt (Top row) and 10/22 factory non-pinned bolt.

Based on this limited sample testing, I would say non-pinned factory 10/22 bolt produced larger groups.

Top row - With pinned/non-pinned bolt comparison groups done, T/CR22 pinned factory bolt shooting continued for group size and scope zero adjustment. With tight 1/2" core forming on the fourth group, oh my, high shot at 12 O'clock. (Still very happy how this factory 10/22 barrel is shooting after 5000 rounds and two bore brushings ... No complaints from me)

Bottom row - Two groups were shot to bring POI up to POA.

Top/Middle rows - Groups were shot for horizontal scope adjustment.

Bottom row - POI centered around POA. Seeing all the flyers, I am thinking about testing Power Custom bolt in 10/22 on the next range trip.

Notes/Comments: I am continuing to be happy with factory 10/22 barrel despite 5000+ round count rifling wear yet producing way better than expected accuracy (Great job Ruger ). Pinned vs non-pinned bolt comparison showed smaller groups from pinned firing pin and machined T/CR22 bolt so work on factory bolt by CPC is likely planned for future comparison - https://www.ct-precision.com/1022rework.html

Happy with continued 1/2" groups from T/CR22 and KSA bull barrel using "cheap" Aguila 40 gr CPRN with confirmation of sub 1/2" four shot core with CCI SV.

For the rest of range session, continued plinking with remainder of 500 round brick each for 10/22 and T/CR22 using Butler Creek magazines and it was a joy to aim at any target out to 50 yards and seeing the target jump on impact. (After further "accurizing" work, plan to do some 100 yard testing) Definitely looking forward to McFadden Machine Lightnin' Grip Loader with adapters for Butler Creek 10/22 magazines for high volume plinking fun (Along with AR15-22 magazines for CMMG 22LR conversion bolts and Advantage Arms magazines for Gen3 Glock 22).

 

[LiveLife]

plan to do some 100 yard testing

Range Report #9: 100 yard test with Aguila 40 gr CPRN and ambient temperature of 47F. 10/22 factory vs Power Custom bolt group comparison

• 10/22 with factory barrel (Round count 5500, brushed twice with copper bore brush and 3 passes each) - Volquartsen trigger 2.25 lbs (Trigger round count 1500) - Barrel free floated with plastic shim under V block - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Mizugiwa one-piece scope mount - Tactical Solutions V block - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - 10/22 factory and Power Custom pinned match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor)

• T/CR22 with KSA 16.5" bull barrel (Round count 1000, Rifle round count 3500, brushed once with copper bore brush and 3 passes) - Volquartsen trigger 2.0 lbs (Trigger round count 1500, Trigger reset fixed with shimming of hole) - Barrel free floated with factory Magpul stock - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Mizugiwa one-piece scope mount - Tactical Solutions V block - Two 0.02" barrel shims - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - Power Custom pinned match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor)

10/22 Factory bolt #1 - First group smaller than 1.5" and second group sized 1.75"
10/22 Factory bolt #2 - First group 1.5" and second group 3.0" (Elongation of group was my cue for a break and to swap out factory bolt with Power Custom bolt)

10/22 Power Custom bolt (Top) - First group 1.5", second group smaller than 1.5"
10/22 Power Custom bolt (Bottom) - First group 1.25", second group smaller than 2.0"
T/CR22 Power Custom bolt (Top) - First group 1.0" (4 shots?), second group 1.5" (1" 4 shot group core)
T/CR22 Power Custom bolt (Bottom) - First group core 0.75" (2 flyers reshot), second group core 1.0" with low flyer (Maybe I was due for another break )

Notes/Comments: 10/22 factory barrel with 5500 rounds shot 100 yard groups better than expected (Holes on target speak volumes and looks like "accurizing" efforts are showing on paper). 1"-1.25" groups were what I was getting at 50 yards during the "Real world ... break in" thread with same Aguila 40 gr CPRN (See picture below) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lector-3-break-in.859106/page-3#post-12110978

50 yard Aguila (Aguila prime) 40 gr CPRN groups from 10/22 "... break in" thread at 3000 round count.

10/22 with Power Custom bolt produced smaller 1.25"-2.0" groups compared to factory bolt 1.5"-3.0" groups.

With T/CR22 and Power Custom bolt, 1" first group was shot (Not sure why I only shot 4 rounds, perhaps I thought shot 5 rounds). Second group produced 1" 4 shot core with high flyer and at 100 yards, shooter induced flyers are certainly more exaggerated . When third group produced tight 3 shot core with 2 flyers, I shot 2 more rounds to see where they would go and resulting core measured 0.75". Fourth group produced 1" 4 shot core with a low flyer. (100 yard shooting took more focus and after bolt swap can you say "shooter hand/finger fatigue"? ... After helping wife with wire fence work, I have been digging out two tree roots for couple of days with sore/cramping hands)

Keep in mind that these 100 yard groups were shot with non-match grade Aguila 40 gr CPRN and I plan on doing 100 yard ammunition comparison.

My 100 yard range test was cut short when a father and son showed up inquiring how much longer I was going to shoot. When they saw what I was doing, they were curious and we chatted. Apparently they are new gun owners and plan on getting CCW permits. When they showed interest, I shared with them my 4 hour defensive point shooting training with both of them producing 4" groups at 4 copy paper targets fast point shooting at 5-7 yards by end of the training session (We exchanged numbers and plan on getting together again with more of their family/friends to introduce to point shooting) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/flinching-drills.864546/page-2#post-11416785

 

[LiveLife]

Range Report #10: 100 yard test with Aguila 40 gr CPRN and ambient temperature of 43F. Viridian Serac 6-24x50mm (30mm tube) turret box test.

• 10/22 with factory barrel (Round count 5750, brushed twice with copper bore brush and 3 passes each) - Volquartsen trigger 2.25 lbs (Trigger round count 1750) - Barrel free floated with plastic shim under V block - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Tactical Solutions V block - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - Power Custom pinned match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor) - Viridian Serac 6-24x50mm - Viridian high profile 30mm scope rings

Inch square grid pdf target was used - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?resources/inch-square-grid.22/

NOTE: Viridian Serac turrets are 1/8 MOA

Although ambient temperature reading was 43F, shaded shooting area ground was frozen with sheets of ice and white frost covered the entire area. Ammunition used was stored indoors kept at 62F.

Green circle at top left was aim point for 4 groups and only turrets were adjusted. First high shot (I really need to stop sneezing when I am shooting ... Can I blame frozen shooter finger? ... Took some deep breaths and commenced shooting first group)

• First group measured less than 1.25" center-to-center. Horizontal turret adjustment was made 20 clicks right and turret ring was tightened (Why 20 clicks? Well, for some reason I must have been thinking 1/4 MOA) and 24 clicks should have moved the POI 3 inches.
• Second group measured 1.25" and vertical turret adjustment was made 24 clicks down and turret ring was tightened.
• Third group measured 1.00" and horizontal turret adjustment was made 20 clicks left and turret ring was tightened.
• Fourth group measured 1.25".

Notes/Comments: More detailed Viridian Serac scope review/related comments on this thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...g-range-reticle-for-150.900740/#post-12194386

 

[LiveLife]

Several threads on RFC mentioned elimination of flyers with pinning of firing pin/factory bolt worked on by CPC or replacement with CNC machined match bolts.

Got my 10/22 factory bolt reworked by CPC back with CPC extractor replacement and turn around time was about 3 1/2 weeks.

Here's the work done by CPC - https://www.ct-precision.com/1022rework.html

• Bolt is disassembled and ultrasonically cleaned.
• Headspace is surface ground and squared to a .0425 rim depth, the same as a bolt action rifle to tweak in a little accuracy.
• A hole is "E.D.M.'ed", a hardened ground solid dowel pin is pressed in over the top of the front of the firing pin ... This new dowel pin keeps the front of firing pin from raising up and causing flyers and gives more consistent firing pin strikes.
• Firing pin is reworked and surface ground flat.
• Rear / bottom of bolt body is full radiused for smoother/better bolt function with standard and high velocity ammo's.
• Bolt rework is $43 plus $7 flat rate Priority Mail ... Add $10 for CPC EDM tool steel extractor ... turnaround is approximately 2 1/2 weeks or less after it arrives.

Mass produced factory 10/22 bolt was quiet rough when it was sent in and CPC machined/ground/polished all contact surfaces and look forward to my next range session.

Machined and headspaced bolt breech face showing pinned firing pin dowel and CPC extractor

Bottom back of bolt polished for smoother engagement with the hammer.

I also ordered EGW 20 MOA picatinny scope rail along with Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm to compare with Viridian 6-24x50mm and Burris 6.5-20x50mm scopes to repeat 100 yard group testing (hopefully with POI closer to center of vertical scope adjustment instead of being maxed out) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ipping-with-cyd-discount-code-exp-2-8.901484/

 

[LiveLife]

UPDATE: Scope vertical adjustment being maxed out

Tactical Solutions V block - I was surprised by play I saw between factory/KSA bull barrels and both receivers that resulted in barrel droop/cant maxing out vertical adjustment of scopes

While TacSol V blocks helped better secure the barrels to receivers, they did not fully address the issue of scope vertical adjustments being maxed out. So $36 EGW 20 MOA scope mount was ordered for 10/22 (BTW, made in USA and came with Torx bolts and Torx bit) - https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Gun-Works-46102-Picatinny/dp/B004VIANPE

Since T/CR22 scope rail is integral to the receiver, I am going to ponder how to elevate the rear of scope to raise POI.

Back of 20 MOA rail measured .452" thick and front of rail measured .424" with difference of .028" (Don't ask me to do angle calculation )

Also received Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm (30mm tube) so will repeat 100 yard groups with Bushnell D&D 6-18x50/Burris FF E1 6.5-20x50/Viridian Serac 6-24x50 using EGW 20 MOA rail for better vertically centered reticle shooting to include turret tracking box test on this comparison thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/sub-200-6-18-20-24x50mm-scope-comparison.901816/

$16 Monstrum Precision V2 Picatinny Scope Rings (30 mm, 1.35 inch height) are expected to be delivered today - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MQV64V1/ref=emc_b_5_t?th=1

Looking forward to next range session to check out 100 yard groups particularly with CPC worked 10/22 bolt and comparison of 18/20x power 1" tube scopes with 24x power 30mm tube scopes.

 

[LiveLife]

$16 Monstrum Precision V2 Picatinny Scope Rings (30 mm, 1.35 inch height) are expected to be delivered today

Scope rings came but I forgot to get blue LocTite while I was out shopping ... So going back out after I bake some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

 

[LiveLife]

While I got Athlon Argos BTR 10-40X56mm for longer range AR shooting with heavier bullets, will test on 22LR rifles - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...0-40x56mm-side-focus-30mm-blr-sfp-moa.902061/

 

[LiveLife]

Winter rain season finally stopped for a few days to dry out the shooting area for me to conduct a long awaited new lot comparison of 22LR ammunition. Reference ammunition used was Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (1255 fps) - lot # 30EK27.

• Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN boxed (1100 fps) - lot # 2318716/7906128
• CCI SV Target 40 gr LRN boxed (1070 fps) - lot # D06DA01
• Aguila 38 gr CPHP 250 round loose bulk pack (1280 fps) - lot # 08DP198
• Aguila 40 gr CPRN 250 round loose bulk pack (1255 fps) - lot # 15CN955
• Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (1130 fps) - lot # 26AL38

Range Report #11: 50 yard 22LR ammunition comparison test with modified Lead Sled Solo on Costco Lifetime folding table. Ambient temperature 64F.

• 10/22 with factory barrel (Round count 6250, bore brushed three times with Hoppes #9/copper bore brush with 3 passes each brushing) - Volquartsen trigger 2.25 lbs (Trigger round count 2250) - Barrel free floated with plastic shim under V block - Rear of receiver better secured to stock with 1 strip of electrical tape - Tactical Solutions V block - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - CPC reworked pinned factory bolt/CPC extractor - EGW 20 MOA scope rail - Viridian Serac 6-24x50mm - Viridian high profile 30mm scope rings

Inch square grid pdf target was used - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?resources/inch-square-grid.22/


Top row (Green circles indicate point of aim) - Two 10 shot groups of Aguila 40 gr CPRN were shot to finalize scope zero with second group measuring just over 3/4". CCI SV Target produced 1/2" 5 shot group and just over 1/2" second group. Norma Tac-22 felt very well lubed out of the box and first shot hit low with group size being just over 1".

Middle row - 5 more Norma Tac-22 groups were shot with first two groups less than 3/4", third group over 1", fourth group 3/4" and last group 1/2".

Bottom row - Aguila 38/40 gr 10 shot groups were alternated and first 38 gr group measured just around 1". First 40 gr group elongated to 1.25". Second 38 gr group measured 1". Second 40 gr group measured less than 1".

Top row - Four 5 shot groups were used to zero the scope at the start of the range test.

Bottom row - I thought there would be room to shoot Aguila 40 gr LRN groups on the previous target but ran out of space so used the target I used to zero the scope. First group measured 1" with less than 3/4" core. Second group less than 3/4". Third group just over 1/2". Fourth group 1.25" with 1/2" core.

Notes/Comments: While no surprise from CCI SV Target producing around 1/2" groups, Norma Tac-22 groups look promising and will continue testing after I clean the barrel. I was anticipating larger groups from 250 round loose bulk packs of Aguila and pleasantly surprised by 38 gr CPHP groups as previous groups with boxed 38 gr CPHP did not produce good groups for me.

Aguila 40 gr LRN groups produced familiar left/right flyers which now I know to be shooter induced. I will also continue testing after the barrel is cleaned.

NOTE: I also took Gen3 Glock 22 with Advantage Arms 22LR slide kit (less than 500 round shot). CCI SV 40 gr LRN/Armscor 36 gr CPHP/Aguila 40 gr CPRN were 100% reliable with slide cycling and spent case extraction/ejection but Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN produced stove pipe after every round.

 

[LiveLife]

Repost from another thread on reducing/eliminating "flyers" from groups - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...he-buck-22lr-ammo.912048/page-2#post-12454240

The thing that drives me nuts about both of them is that I can shoot a 50 yard group and have one little ragged 4 shot hole and then a flyer about 1/2" away. They just aren't consistent.

Kudo's to @LiveLife for the amount of testing performed and then shared with the rest of us.

Gladly ... I am fan of "Open Source" and free sharing of information type of person.

During my 40,000+ round testing of nearly 30 different brands/weights/lots of 22LR heavily referenced/confirmed by experience of match shooters on THR/RFC, I am "starting" to believe there are no "flyers".

I have done shot group composite overlay analysis of cold barrel/hot barrel/clean barrel/dirty barrel/cold ammo/hot ammo (round allowed to warm up in hot chamber) and found these problems/solutions so far:

• Initial cold barrel group can vary significantly - I shoot a box or two to warm up the barrel before capturing my "average" 5/10 shot groups

• As barrel vibrates and warms up, contact with stock can increase group size - Free-float barrel using a shim under V-block so copy paper can freely slide around barrel

• Factory Ruger 10/22 bolt without pinned firing pin can add to flyers, especially first shot flyer - Have CPC rework the bolt face and pin firing pin or buy CNC machined bolt that's pinned like Power Custom Match bolt

• Factory 7.5 lb trigger can increase group size - Break-in the trigger down to 4.5 lbs by shooting 4000 rounds or do a "drop in" trigger kit to reduce trigger down to less than 2.5 lbs

• Trigger and grip push/pull and shooter fatigue can cause left/right scatter of group size - Work on trigger control, grip and shooter fatigue with regular breaks to using bipod/rear bag/Lead Sled/remote trigger

• Loose scope ring/mount bolts and movement of receiver in stock can cause elongation/drifting/scatter of groups - Properly torque and Loctite bolts and improve bedding of receiver to stock to eliminate play (I use strips of electrical tape on rear of receiver)

• Clean barrel takes a while to start producing consistent groups again - Don't clean barrel (Bore brush with solvent) rather run dry patches between shooting sessions and clean when group size increases (My 10/22 barrel has been bore brushed only 3 times during 6500 rounds of shooting and rifling remains clean without leading)

• Inconsistent muzzle velocities cause vertical stringing/scatter - Use ammunition that produce less vertical stringing/scatter and do not "cook" cold ammunition in hot chamber

• Barrel harmonics cause large scatter of group size - Use barrel tuners and/or ammunition that minize group size scatter

Doing all above has essentially eliminated most flyers with CCI SV/Blazer/Aguila 40 gr LRN for my 10/22 with factory barrel except shooter induced left/right scatter that "appears" to be flyers on target.